Integrity Pacts: A Business Case for Collective Actions

Abstract

The purposes of this business case is to show how collective actions can be applied in a country where corruption is present in everyone’s minds and where even the cleanest and most transparent entities have to go to great lengths in order to avoid being viewed with suspicion. It is a functional model, proving that collective actions are an effective tool for building integrity and establishing trust and a good reputation. As proven by studies in the field, the Romanian business environment is affected by corruption, despite a dedicated legislative and institutional anticorruption framework. Transparency International Romania proposes that the best way to fight this corruption and build integrity in this environment is through collective integrity commitments. Transparency International Romania has already facilitated the signing of five such Integrity Pacts: two in the business sector, one in the academic sector, one in the healthcare sector, and one in the civil society sector. In order for companies not to engage in corrupt acts, it is necessary to provide incentives and point out the benefits of acting with integrity that outweigh what can be gained through corruption. Companies who wish to build integrity must focus on a series of principles: impact, communication, monitoring, multiplication of sanctions and stimulants, accountability, and assessment. In addition, anticorruption policies in Romania should be focused mainly toward companies that have a great interest in integrity and which can also contribute to raising the capacity of those who lack such a capacity, but have the adequate motivation. Therefore, Transparency International Romania has developed a list of lessons learned and recommendations adapted to the Romanian environment, applicable to and by the Romanian businesses and their relevant stakeholders.